A Simple Kinda Life

To Rafflecopter or not to Rafflecopter - that is the question

2012-01-22T15:51:00.001-05:00

I took a hiatus from my blog for awhile, as you who are still sticking around noticed, and all of a suddent, I'm seeing Rafflecopter everywhere. I enter giveaways using Rafflecopter and I think it's rather convenient, but then, I wonder, what EXACTLY is Rafflecopter? What's behind it? Who made it? What is it doing with my personal information? how does that little widget always know it's me? (I do know it's because I'm being tracked via cookies, but I'm scurred. I don't really like those type of cookies.)

Do you know about Rafflecopter? Can you share some pros and cons with me?

Book Review: Sun Sign Series - Cancer by Joanna Martine Woolfolk

2012-01-22T15:26:00.000-05:00

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Ever since I was younger, I have been interested in astrology, astronomy, and horoscopes. (After all, they correlate!) I don't put 100% stock in my daily horoscope (especially since I read three daily!), but I do read them and I notice if something happens that was mentioned in a horoscope.

I also notice, from dealing with so many different types of people from all walks of life, that usually, a Sun Sign does influence how a person is, believes, and acts. I like to read books about my Sun Sign, which is Cancer (born June 21st through July 22nd), and learn more about myself in doing so.

The book above, Sun Sign Series - Cancer by Joanna Martine Woolfolk, is one of the books I have read recently to learn more about my Sun Sign. I bought some post-it flags and flagged alot of things in this book to refer back to and try to remember about myself. I really enjoyed this book and learned a few more things to pay attention to!

Do you read & pay attention to horoscopes and astrology? Have you ever read a book to learn more about your Sun Sign?

Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of the book named above to review. The opinions expressed above are solely my own and yours may differ. Receiving a product will NEVER influence what I write in any review.

ShopRite Cans for Fans: Using Social Media to Fight Hunger

2012-01-08T08:48:00.000-05:00

Ever since ShopRite came to Maryland, I've been a HUGE Fan! I love their selection and their prices, and especially - the Can Can Sale! That's why I want to share this information with you regarding this year's Can Can Sale!

About the Can Can Sale:

In 2011, ShopRite donated 40,000 cans of food to local food banks in commemoration of 40 years of Can Can savings by way of its famous, annual Can Can Sale. Now in its 41st year, the Can Can Sale has become extra special with the "Cans for Fans" Facebook program, which enables fans to get involved in the fight against hunger. During the 2012 Can Can Sale (1/5 - 1/21), ShopRite will donate one can of food (up to 50,000 cans) to local food banks in the communities it serves, on behalf of every new ShopRite Facebook fan.

The more likes that the ShopRite Facebook page gets, the more can it will donate to the needy!

Also be sure to visit ShopRite´s "Get Can Canned" website at www.ShopRiteCanCan.com, to upload a personal photo and become a virtual ShopRite Can Can dancer; the image can be emailed to friends, shared via your personal blog, Facebook or Twitter account, or posted to ShopRite's official Facebook page.

Disclaimer: I was sent this information by ShopRite through MyBlogSpark. By sharing this information with you, I will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a ShopRite Gift Card. The opinions expressed above are solely my own and yours may differ. Receiving a product or incentive will NEVER influence what I write in any review.

Save money using SavingStar

2012-01-01T14:23:00.002-05:00

As a single mom of three, stretching my dollars is an absolute must for me. From clipping coupons to using ecoupons, I'm always hunting down a deal! I usually do pretty well too - I save about 75% on average from everything from clothing to groceries!

I recently found out about SavingStar and I just signed up to use their ecoupons. These digital coupons work at over 100 chains in 24,000 stores nationwide!

I was able to link my CVS card, Food Lion, ShopRite, Rite Aid, and more! By far, this is the best service that allows you to use digital coupons to save money - I've never seen this many vendors on a single site like this before!

Here's a screenshot of the ecoupons I was able to add to my account:

I love that out of $26 in ecoupons, I found $20.75 in coupons for products that I want! I also love that I can print or email me list of ecoupons, so I don't forget what I want to use!

Here's how it works:

1. Join SavingStar for free and register your grocery and drugstore loyalty cards on SavingStar.

2. When you use your card at checkout like you normally do, your savings are automatically added to your SavingStar account within 2-30 days depending on when the store sends the purchase data to SavingStar. (Note: the savings are not given at checkout in the store and they are not printed on your receipt).

3. Once your accumulated savings in your SavingStar account reach $5, you can pick your payout from a deposit into your bank or PayPal account, an Amazon gift card, or a donation to American Forests. It’s that easy!

SavingStar eCoupons are updated each week. This week you can save money on Pepsi, Campbell's Soup, Lipton Tea, Playtex, Wet Ones, Lay's Kettle Cooked Chips, Scott Bath Tissue, Cheetos/Fritos, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, McCain's French Fries, and more. Get grocery coupons at SavingStar.com today.

Do you use digital coupons? Have you tried SavingStar yet? Will you, after reading this post?

Disclaimer: I was sent a $25 gift card to help facilitate this review. The opinions expressed above are solely my own and yours may differ. Receiving a product or payment will NEVER influence what I write in any review.

Sharing our Disney Dream

2012-01-01T03:14:00.001-05:00

Back in January of 2011, I found out that I had won a cruise aboard the Disney Dream, the newest ship in Disney's line of cruise ships. I won this trip from a local radio - Lite 101.9 FM. This was a daily contest where you had to listen to the station to get keywords four times a day, or watch Lite 101.9 FM's Facebook page for the words.

I guarantee you I had only entered TWO Times, tops, and I won! This was by far, my biggest win yet! The prize included round-trip air from my location to Orlando, FL, then bus transportation to Port Canaveral, FL, where we would set sail on a 4-day, 3 night trip to Nassau, Bahamas!

Being that the Disney Dream just started sailing in 2011, there were only a few days that we could choose to go, as they sold out pretty quickly! We selected the November 27th, 2011 trip, and we returned on December 1st.

Here's some photos from our trip! Enjoy!

The Ship docked at Castaway Cay, Disney's Private Island in the Caribbean

My kids in front of the beautifully-decorated tree at Castaway Cay

My daughter and I on Deck 3, in front of the Chandelier that hangs over the atrium. This night was Pirate Night.

Looking down into the Atrium.

Sunset while docked at Castaway Cay

View of Castaway Cay from boat

View of the AquaDuck and the ship, while heading out to Castaway Cay to enjoy some fun!

The beach on Castaway Cay

Ravyn and Ariel

My daughter, myself, and Snow White!

We had a great time and I have to thank 101.9 and the ENTIRE Disney staff for making our memory a wonderful one!

Wrapping up my Verizon FiOS Test Drive

2011-12-30T21:10:00.001-05:00

Back in September, I shared with you that I am a Verizon FiOS Test Drive Mom! I've had about 6 months to try out this service, and in this short amount of time, I've gotten HOOKED!

I've always been hooked on DVR so with FiOS, I still have the ability to record shows and watch them at a later date or time. This allows me to record my favorite soap (The Young and the Restless!) and shows I might miss.

Since I also have a smartphone (a Droid X), I was also able to download the My FiOS App to be able to access my DVR and more! This app has been a real help in my life! I can program my DVR to record shows when I am away from my home, watch TV and movies, and use my smartphone as a remote! How cool is that?! I can tell you - it's pretty darn cool!

Check out this video to learn more about this awesome app:

Being able to program shows from my phone came in handy during ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas. A friend of mine at work had printed out the schedule for a few of us at work and when I got my copy and saw a few movies I wanted to see, I immediately opened my My FiOS App on my phone and programmed my DVR!

The My FiOS App also allows me to access my account, view bills, usage, etc. That is also very convenient! I don't have a connected home, but if I did, I could have accessed any cameras I had on my network, as well as thermostats, lights, and locks. I'm also able to access my personal photos and On Demand.

My kids have utilized On Demand to watch episodes of shows they may have missed. We all have been spoiled by this test drive, and have utilized every feature we possibly could on FiOS!

I'm a huge fan of FiOS now and I hope to keep it for years to come! I mentioned the widgets previously and I still access them, especially the Facebook widget! The weather widget is another one that I love!

Do you have Verizon FiOS? How do you like it?

Disclaimer: "I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive campaign by Mom Central on behalf of VerizonFiOS and received a free trial of the products and services necessary to facilitate my review."

Product Review: What Odor?

2011-12-27T19:45:00.000-05:00

To kick off my return to blogging, I have a special review for you today!

I was recently contacted about reviewing What Odor? and since I smoke, I thought this would be a great chance to try out another product, but this time - I was hoping for different results than received from previous odor-eliminating sprays! (Not to name names, of course!) I was pleasantly surprised by What Odor? and have been using it almost daily since!

I'm a mom who works full time, and not only that, I'm a mom of TEENS! (Insert scream here!) Sometimes there are strange smells around, and my son seems to be the culprit. I mean, he showers and I've never had a problem with his cleanliness, but if you're a mom of a teenage son, then you know what I am talking about!

I first tried this product a few weeks ago when I was doing a little cleaning up around the house - I was shocked how well this product works! It eliminated the odors in our apartment and kept the area fresh-smelling for days! Now I spray What Odor? anytime our home needs freshening, or something just doesn't smell right!

What Odor? is safe for people, pets, and the planet. It's a multi-purpose odor eliminator that really works! Just spray the area and allow to dry! VOILA!

Have you tried What Odor? What are your thoughts?

Disclaimer: I was sent the product named above to review. The opinions expressed above are solely my own and yours may differ. Receiving a product will NEVER influence what I write in any review.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:14:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

RSV Prevention

2011-11-22T20:13:00.001-05:00

Life as expectant parents is joyous and celebratory. In most cases, babies arrive on time, healthy and ready to head home with Mom and Dad. But for the more than half a million American babies born prematurely each year, this often isn’t the case. Many parents of preterm infants are unprepared for the special medical care preemies often require. According to a March of Dimes survey, this is because most expecting parents don’t discuss preterm birth with their doctor during prenatal care, even if they are at high risk. On November 17 - World Prematurity Day - we’re hoping to help change this.

Despite recent slight declines in rates of prematurity, 1,400 babies are still born prematurely in the United States every day, and 13 million babies are affected by prematurity around the world. Prematurity, defined as being born before 37 weeks completed gestation, disrupts a baby’s development in the womb, often stunting the growth of some of the body’s most critical organs. At birth, preemies often have difficulty with breathing, feeding and maintaining temperature. Because their immune systems haven’t had time to fully mature, preterm infants are more likely to develop infections, and because their lungs are underdeveloped, they are more susceptible to respiratory problems.

For example, nearly every baby contracts respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by age two. In most full-term babies, symptoms are similar to those of the common cold and parents may not even know their child has the virus. However, because they don’t have the antibodies needed to fight off infection, preterm infants—even those born just a few weeks early—are at increased risk for developing an RSV-related infection, often requiring medical attention or hospitalization. Parents should speak with their pediatrician to find out if their baby is at high risk for developing severe RSV disease, and how they can prevent against RSV this winter.

RSV Quick Facts:

· RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, responsible for more than 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 500 infant deaths each year.

· RSV occurs in epidemics each fall through spring. The CDC has defined “RSV season” as beginning in November and lasting through March for most parts of North America.

· Certain regions have longer RSV seasons than others, with the season beginning as early as July (e.g., Florida) or ending in April.

· Despite its prevalence, one-third of mothers have never heard of RSV.

Prevention is Key:

There is no treatment for RSV, so it’s important for parents to take the following preventive steps to help protect their child:

· Wash hands, toys, bedding, and play areas frequently

· Ensure you, your family, and any visitors in your home wash their hands or use hand sanitizer

· Avoid large crowds and people who may be sick

· Never let anyone smoke near your baby

· Speak with your child’s doctor if you believe he or she may be at high risk for RSV, as a preventive therapy may be available

Be Aware of Symptoms:

Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following:

· Persistent coughing or wheezing

· Rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths

· Blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails

· High fever

· Extreme fatigue

· Difficulty feeding

To learn more about RSV, visit www.rsvprotection.com. For more about the specialized health needs of preterm infants, visit www.preemievoices.com.

Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of MedImmune and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Gracefully Green Baby

2011-11-11T23:22:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for baby products? Check out Gracefully Green Baby!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Mamavation Monday

2011-11-06T13:05:00.000-05:00

Wow! It's been three years since I've been exposed to Leah Segedie and Mamavation - sitting on the sidelines, knowing I needed to lose weight, to get healthier. Knowing that I wanted to do more - HAD to do more.

Today, I'm making my first Mamavation Monday post. This is my pledge to be a part of the Mamavation Sistahood.

The funny part of this is that I've lost about 60 lbs. on my own in the past year. A year ago, I was in a size 22 and weighed over 250 lbs. Talk about embarrassing!

From the age of 14, through having 3 children, up until 2-3 years ago, I was a size 14. I was happy with that, even though I wasn't the healthiest, but I knew I've always been bigger and if I was the same size through having children, I was happy with that. Ultimately, I'd love to be in a size 10/12. Even a size 8 would be nice - but then I think I would be too skinny.

I put on the weight after I had my gallbladder taken out and was out of work for almost a year. Luckily, since I've been back to work, I started losing weight again. I have also changed the items I buy at the grocery store, the food I cook, and the frequency of my meals. I eat more fresh produce and protein, and I limit my red meat intake. I used to never eat breakfast, and now I make sure I have something to eat in the morning - even if it's a cup of yogurt.

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This week's Mamavation Monday topic is to discuss how Type 2 Diabetes has touched my life. Personally, I have only had friends who have Type 2 Diabetes, but being overweight, I do think about Diabetes, and knowing that it is something I do not want to have in my life - now or later.

I had a roommate a few years back, and he had Type 2 Diabetes. We worked together, and once we started living together, I found myself watching what he ate at lunch and at home. In general, since he was Indian, he ate very well. He was a vegetarian, due to his religious beliefs, but sometimes, he would eat an apple or a cookie, and those items could make his blood sugar rise. Every evening, I would ask him what his blood sugar was. I worried, and was concerned that one day I would have to call 911 for him.

Luckily, that never happened, and even though I don't speak to him anymore, I think of him often and wonder how he is doing.

How has Type 2 Diabetes affected you?

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Better’n Eggs and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women.

Family Photo Days from Shutterfly

2011-11-06T12:42:00.000-05:00

There are so many companies out there that you can select to customize your family Christmas cards. This can be a daunting task, especially when trying to find the perfect photo.

Inevitably, you're going to have one person looking away while the photo is being taken - you may have one person laughing - you may have another looking agitated.

The photo above is one of the tries for our family Christmas card in 2010. We tried three different photos and each time, someone was doing something different in the photo. In one, I was so agitated, I looked plain MEAN! I finally chose the photo above to be our family photo, because it captured the rawness of our family. Everyone looks happy in the photo, and in the end, it turned out to be a great photo (when modified to black and white). I love that the children are laughing in the photo, and I truly look happy.

Shutterfly Family Photo Days is an initiative created to help families get their photos ready for their holiday cards. Family Photo Days begins in November and include the following activities to aid you in your goal: a perfect family photo:

Digital toolkit posted online (with possible physical components as well for partner programs)
House parties (sponsor hosts to create their own Family Picture Day out of their homes)
Meetup.com (sponsor mother’s groups around the country to congregate and take family photos for their holiday cards)
Video, Photos, blogger involvement (and/or other viral and social components)
Facebook tie-in – ads, sponsored stories
Contest/Promotion with a goal of driving excitement and awareness of Family Photo Day and Family Photo Day events – 5 winners based on type of photo – best funny family photo, most unique family photo, etc.

Are you ready to get your holiday photos done? Hopefully this post and the Family Photo Days initiative will help you get ready sooner! Good luck!

Disclaimer: I am participating in a blog tour promoting Shutterfly's Family Photo Days through Global Influence. I will receive 50 free holiday cards for my involvement in this project.

What's on your Bucket List?

2011-11-05T23:51:00.002-04:00

All of us have heard of a bucket list - probably since the movie of the same name came out back in the year 2007.

I have long thought about what I want to do before I die. (Have you?)

Here's the top 15 things I would like to do before I die:
1. Sky-dive
2. Bungee jump
3. Travel to France
4. Travel to Italy
5. Travel to Alaska
6. Travel to Africa
7. Learn to sail
8. Take a cruise
9. See whales of all types: Orcas, humpbacks, sperm - you name it
10. Meet my great-grandchildren
11. Travel to Alabama and meet some of my family
12. Get a Master's degree
13. Go on a ghost hunt
14. Start my own business
15. Swim with the dolphins

What's on your bucket list?

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.

Buzzed Driving: Halloween Edition

2011-10-30T20:39:00.001-04:00

Halloween night is often one of the deadliest nights of the year due to the number of impaired drivers on the streets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009, 48 percent of all traffic fatalities on Halloween night involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher. Halloween means dark streets full of little kids distracted by candy and costumes. That makes it especially important to start planning a safe and sober ride home from whatever fun you’ll be having that night — so your evening doesn’t take a truly scary turn.

Whether at a Halloween party, a costume contest at a bar or trick-or-treating through the neighborhood, many of us will be on the road this weekend. NHTSA and the Ad Council are reminding everyone that the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you head out for your Halloween festivities.

Here's some ways that you can avoid being part of this horrible statistic:

• Designated Driver Drink List — One of the most important things you can do before going out is designate a sober driver. If you’re throwing a Halloween party, make sure to offer non-alcoholic drinks for the sober drivers. We’ve compiled a Facebook tab with 50 non-alcoholic party drink recipes.

• Alternative Ride Locator — There's a Facebook tab with a list of nationwide alternative ride programs that can help keep you safe.

• Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving website — You can sign a pledge not to drink and drive; play “Spot the Difference,” an interactive game that simulates the effects of buzzed driving; and watch a real-life video about how buzzed driving changed one woman’s life.

Remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Disclaimer: I am participating in a Public Service Campaign through Global Influence and have not received anything for my participation. I do this because I truly care about this issue.

Seeking Holiday 2011 Sponsors

2011-10-27T22:20:00.000-04:00

I've been away from my blog for so long, but I'm ready to get into the holiday spirit and get some reviews and prizes for my online friends!

A Simple Kinda Life is currently seeking sponsors for a Holiday 2011 blog party! A Coming-Back-To-Blogging party, if you will!

If you're interested in being a part of this party, please email me!

Looking forward to working with you!

I'm also looking forward to partying with my readers... hey... I'm honest!

Latest news

2011-10-27T22:16:00.000-04:00

Greetings! (& salutations!)

It's been so long since I've updated any of my online friends of anything! But I wanted to share some wonderful news with you!

Read more here...
(You must be a subscriber to my private blog)

Del Monte® Fruit Naturals®: Coupon coming from Vocalpoint

2011-09-10T10:01:00.000-04:00

I just got an email from Vocalpoint about a Buy One, Get One FREE Coupon* for Del Monte Fruit Naturals.

They asked me to share the details with my readers, so here's the info for you!

Del Monte^® Fruit Naturals^® cups are packed in 100% fruit juice instead of sugary syrup, so you will want to drink every last drop.

Utilize Vocalpoint's downloadable buy-one-get-one-FREE coupon* offer so your friends can get in on the sweet deal.

*Must be a Vocalpoint member. Limited quantities available. Each member is able to download only one coupon. This offer is only available in certain areas.

Should you choose to share this, please let others know you received a BOGO coupon from Vocalpoint and be factual with the information you share. For more information, review the Vocalpoint Consumer Guidelines at www.vocalpoint.com/guidelines.

Disclaimer: I was asked by Vocalpoint to share this info with my readers. I will receive coupons in exchange for my assistance.

I'm a Verizon FiOS Team Member!

2011-09-10T09:41:00.000-04:00

As part of my return to blogging, I'm here to announce to you that I was selected to be part of the Verizon FiOS Test Drive Team!

I'm super thrilled about being a part of this campaign, as the fiber lines had just begun being installed at the last residence I had, which is in another county. Not too long before this campaign launched, I had just relocated! Lucky for us, eh?

My children and I have had satellite service for the last 6-8 years, and I was also eager to see what the difference was between FiOS and satellite.

I've had the service for a little over a month now, so I've gotten pretty accustomed to the service. Now, the channels - that's another story! I'm still learning those, because there are SO MANY! I have set up my multi-room DVR to record some of my favorite shows (The Young and the Restless, Ghost Hunters, and Weeds, just to name a few!)

A feature that I really like comes in real handy since I do use the DVR and I may not want my children to see what I don't approve of: Parental Controls, a must have for any home. I have set up Parental Controls for the TV Channels, as well as On Demand, which is another nice feature. (My daughter hates that I have that on too, because she's always looking for things to watch in the Free Kids Section on On Demand!)

Another feature that I was really drawn to when I first heard about the Verizon FiOS service, is the widgets. If any of you reading this follow me on Twitter or on Facebook, you know that I like to share! I love social media, so these widgets are another feature that I love (but have to delve into more!)

There are all kinds of widgets that you can utilize on the menu: Sports, Social Networking, News and Info, Games, Shopping, and Music & Video. I set up my YouTube account on the widget, but so far, haven't set up any others.

Another thing that I like about FiOS is the picture. Even though the TV I'm currently using is small, the picture is sharp and clear. I have many HD channels, and I prefer to watch my local news on the HD Channels.

So far, Verizon FiOS is only available in certain parts of the country, so before you order, or would like to check out the features, please check the availability of Verizon FiOS.

I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Verizon FiOS and received a free trial of the products and services necessary to facilitate my review.

I'm back (sort of)

2011-08-07T10:45:00.000-04:00

It's been so long since I've actually posted anything here but, be on the lookout - I'm back!

:-)

Exclusive trailer of this blockbuster - ad

2011-07-18T20:04:00.005-04:00

Click like to watch this exclusive trailer

Music Video Exclusive: Pete Rock & Smif-n-Wessun - ad

2011-07-18T20:04:00.003-04:00

Music video exclusive! "Monumental" by Pete Rock & Smif-n-Wessun -- an instant summer classic. Watch it now: http://lx.im/1dOtM?v=kxAHJ-p57seLlmULSSWYs6Fq2L63WNOkK0VW6qYWAU4

SouthBeachTow - ad

2011-07-18T20:04:00.001-04:00

JLo's new TV show #SouthBeachTow looks wild! It's on @truTV tonight
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100% Indian Remy Hair - Buy 1 Get 1 Free Blowout! - ad

2011-07-02T09:50:00.003-04:00

Get Free Indian Remy Hair. 100% Virgin Indian Hair. Buy 1 Get 1 Free Blowout!!!

Beef - It's what's for dinner! - ad

2011-07-02T09:50:00.001-04:00

Like Beef? Check out some great steak recipes

Up to 65% off Jessica Simpson shoes! - ad

2011-07-02T09:49:00.001-04:00

Need a pair of killer heels for the summer right? Look no further! Get 65% off Jessica Simpson shoes when you Sig